Nashville, TN – April 14, 2025 – Christian FM Media Group, which has 453 commercial and non-commercial affiliates across the country, has chosen Local Radio Networks (LRN) as its delivery platform and affiliate sales partner for its recently acquired Today’s Christian Music (TCM) the heritage 24/7 Contemporary Christian Format. TCM is currently heard on 102 radio stations across America and features America’s best-known and beloved Christian radio talent, including former “Fish” personalities Beth Bacall, Kim Fitz, Scott and Sam, and Kevin and Amy in mornings. LRN’s proprietary Radio Velocity Control Software (RVC) is an industry leader in 24/7 content delivery, with maximum localization content and control features, including the ability to choose market-exclusive radio hosts.

Jon Hamilton, President of Christian FM Media Group, said, “LRN’s unique ability to seamlessly integrate and deliver the format to most major automation systems is simply amazing, and we are thrilled to bring this ability to the Today’s Christian Music affiliates. For them it means no more filling satellite windows and having total control of their on-air sound.”

“We are delighted to partner with Jon and the Christian FM Media Group for distribution and affiliate sales of its TCM format,” stated Steve Swick, Chief Executive Officer of Local Radio Networks. “There is a demand for a well-programmed and -produced religious radio format, and with our RVC software technology, TCM affiliates get superior quality programming, as well as best-in-class delivery technology with unparalleled localization content and control features.”

“We’ve watched since 2015 the innovative team at LRN take 24/7 music format syndication to the next level,” Hamilton added. “The ability to choose hosts is an exceptionally outstanding feature that will give us the flexibility we need. Steve and company are leading the way.”

The LRN delivery software, Radio Velocity Control (RVC), is a proprietary VPN-based technology that delivers maximum control for customization and localization, far exceeding the limitations of outmoded satellite downlinks. Our technology is designed by radio broadcasters for radio broadcasting, is user-friendly, and integrates seamlessly into existing playout and automation systems with 100 percent redundancy, and flexible clocks with no mandatory fill positions.

Radio stations that would like more information on Today’s Christian Music may contact Donna Halverson, Vice President of Affiliate Sales, at donna@localradionetworks.com and 214-307-5087, or Matt Caldaronello, Vice President/Regional Affiliate Sales Manager at matt@localradionetworks.com.

About Local Radio Networks (www.localradionetworks.com)

Local Radio Networks, Inc.is a limited liability company that provides eighteen unique 24/7 music formats for radio programming to small and medium market stations, helping them reduce operating costs and maximize localized content and control, super serving over 800-plus stations across the dial. Steve Swick is Founder, President, and Chief Executive Officer. Will Mashione is Co-Founder and Chief Information Officer.

About Christian FM Media Group:

The Christian FM Media Group is America’s #1 syndicator of content to Christian music radio stations and serves 453 radio stations daily across multiple platforms. They represent the best-loved talent in Christian radio, including the Brant Hansen Show, Lisa Barry, Doug Hannah, and a dozen more.

 

Media Contact:
Renee Cassis
RC Communications Marketing
(646) 808-6505
cassis2@msn.com

Local Radio Networks is logging its first all-talk format with the addition of Podcast Radio. Through this collaboration with Krantz Media Group, Podcast Radio content will be accessible from LRN via its distribution platform for affiliate stations’ automation systems.

After starting in the UK, Podcast Radio moved to the United States, first with Beasley Media Group then Alpha Media. The 24/7 format adapts podcast content into a radio-friendly listening experience, enhanced by localized promotions and “Podjocks.”

Podcast Radio is available cash and barter. Adlarge Media is handling network advertising sales.

Podcast Radio CEO Gerry Edwards said, “We are beyond excited to be partnering with LRN. Our respective teams have engaged like kindred spirits in the sharing of tech and platform advancements. We cannot wait to hear Podcast Radio brands executing on the LRN platform that will allow stations an unparalleled degree of programming flexibility that is simply not common in the Talk syndication industry.”

LRN President and CEO Steve Swick shared, “We’re excited to partner with Podcast Radio to bring this innovative format to our partners and broadcast groups. It’s an excellent opportunity to diversify our 24/7 Music Formats and content offerings and introduce a fresh, dynamic listening experience to our audience and affiliates alike across radio dials.”

KMG CEO Gary Krantz commented, “We are excited to expand Podcast Radio’s presence into Local Radio Network’s ecosystem. Together, we’re creating a new way for listeners to discover and enjoy the best in podcast content through the familiar and trusted medium of radio.”

(July 31, 2023) – Skyview Networks, a leading audio sales and broadcast solutions company, and Local Radio Networks (LRN), a 24/7 music radio programming provider, announced today their multi-year partnership renewal with Sparknet’s JackFM format. Under this partnership, Skyview Networks will continue serving as the exclusive network sales partner and distribution provider for the energetic and distinct JackFM format. Moreover, LRN will also continue utilizing its affiliate relations services and top-tier Radio Velocity Control (RVC) cloud-based integration technology to expand the network and deliver the “Playing What We Want” experience to new stations across the US.

“We are excited to continue the partnerships with Skyview Networks and LRN,” said Garry Wall, President of Sparknet. “Their performance, their people and their technology are integral to helping us provide a world class experience for JackFM stations, listeners and advertisers.”

First partnering in January 2019, Skyview Networks and LRN combined synergies to grow their share within the 24/7 programming space drawing on Skyview’s syndication specialization and ad management technology and LRN’s affiliation strategies and IP-based automation tools. With the addition of Sparknet’s dynamic JackFM brand in January 2020, the three companies created a unique syndication opportunity that continues to super-serve radio stations, while providing significant reach and results for advertisers.

Steve Swick, CEO of LRN spoke to the renewed partnership, stating, “The combination of LRN, Skyview Networks and JackFM has proven itself to be a winning programming strategy for station owners and audiences, and we are thrilled to continue our relationship to further explore the opportunities ahead.”

With its strong portfolio of affiliate relationships and trusted advertisers, Skyview Networks is a curator of brand diversity, allowing for optimization of the JackFM brand and maximized listenership across LRN’s 24/7 platform.

“JackFM is an incredibly creative and innovative media brand that entertains millions of listeners each day,” said Steve Jones, President and CEO of Skyview Networks. “Skyview is proud to keep building on our success with JackFM and LRN in driving revenue and results for years to come.”

For affiliation information on JackFM, please contact LRN’s Pat Crocker at Pat@LocalRadioNetworks.net. Additional details on Skyview Networks’ full suite of audio, technology and syndication solutions are available at skyviewnetworks.com.

 

About Sparknet

Sparknet Communications is the owner and legal guardian of the iconic JackFM branded radio format. JackFM is widely recognized for the trademarked “Playing What We Want” music experience delivered in a scripted, character driven format. The JackFM brand entertains more than 9 million listeners every week in 62 markets throughout the United States.

 

About Local Radio Networks

Local Radio Networks (LRN) produces twenty-one 24/7 music formats and is focused on providing local broadcasters with unprecedented localization and content control with national on-air talent. LRN’s formats are delivered via its proprietary Radio Velocity Control (RVC), which integrates seamlessly with most automation systems. Skyview Networks is the exclusive national network ad sales representative for LRN. Steve Swick is Founder, President, and Chief Executive Officer. Will Mashione is Co-Founder and Chief Information Officer. LRN is headquartered in Angola, IN, with offices in Los Angeles, CA, Dallas, TX, and a state-of-the-art Programming and Operations Center in Denver, CO.

 

About Skyview Networks

Skyview Networks is an audio technology, syndication and network audio sales solutions company based in Scottsdale, Arizona that has been serving the broadcast space for nearly 30 years. With more than 10,000 radio affiliate relationships, its nationwide coverage reaches over half of all Americans each week. Skyview’s industry-leading services are utilized by major media companies, leading consumer brands, world-class entertainers, professional and collegiate sports organizations, and state news networks. For more information, visit skyviewnetworks.com and follow @SkyviewNetworks. 

From Inside Radio:

Westwood One and Local Radio Networks are in court fighting over whether LRN infringed on a pair of patents WWO has held for more than a decade. In the latest development, LRN argues that the claims made in WWO’s patents are invalid because they use only existing, conventional devices and networks and don’t transform an “abstract idea” into a patent-eligible invention.

Indiana-based LRN provides 24/7 music formats to affiliates. In early March, WWO sued LRN alleging that LRN’s Radio Velocity Control hardware and software infringe on WWO-patented technology that allows it to record different content for different affiliates and then transmit it to the individual affiliates they are intended for.

LRN asserts that the patents WWO claims are invalid in the first place. LRN cites Section 101 of the Patent Act which provides that “an issued patent may be ruled invalid, if it is deemed to be drawn to an abstract idea.”

Without getting too deep into the weeds of patent law, “abstract ideas” is one of three exceptions to a patent a being considered eligible by the Supreme Court, even though it has refused to define the term “abstract idea.”

In this case, LRN says the claims asserted by WWO in the two patents are directed to “an abstract idea.” One of them pertains to directing a voice artist to record localized content which LRN says is “the abstract idea of organizing human activity.” The other patent in question deals with opertaimg a radio network using a content delivery system, which LRN says is an abstract idea of collecting, storing and presenting data.

In both cases, the WWO patents use only existing, conventional devices and networks like computers, satellites and automation systems to implement their abstract idea, and lack an “inventive concept” and therefore don’t satisfy earlier case law pertaining to similar patent claims, the filing asserts.

In the 25-page filing, LRN claims that every step in the process of sending descriptions of localized content for recording by a voice artist can be carried out by conventional methods like fax or email and thus qualify as an abstract idea. The same goes for using content delivery systems to operate a radio network, LRN argues. In both cases, the WWO patent claims lack an “inventive concept” and thus fail the test for patent eligibility. And since WWO’s claims don’t describe any technical details, the claims “are directed to nothing more than a ‘result-oriented abstract idea,” the filing argues.

Westwood One has until June 15 to reply to Local Radio Network’s brief. LRN then has two weeks after that to file its reply.

 

JackFM Selects Skyview Networks and Local Radio Networks for Sales and Syndication Services

Companies to provide Sparknet’s JackFM format with network sales, distribution and affiliate solutions

 

PHOENIX, Ariz. (August 7, 2019) – Sparknet announced today its new exclusive partnership with Skyview Networks and Local Radio Networks (LRN) for their full package of syndication services.  As part of the agreement, Skyview Networks will become the exclusive network sales partner and satellite distribution provider for JackFM’s leading Adult Variety format, with its irreverent, scripted personality and “Playing What We Want”® music experience.  LRN will lead the affiliate relations initiative and provide its proprietary IP-based Radio Velocity Control (RVC) automation technology and its integrated satellite distribution.  The agreement between the parties will be effective January 1, 2020.

“This move will upgrade the product quality for our affiliate stations in every aspect of the JackFM listener experience.  This also puts us into a partnership aligned around innovation, growth and customer service,” said Garry Wall, President of Sparknet.

Leveraging the distribution power of Skyview Networks and LRN is a strategic move that will allow JackFM to increase its already significant footprint.  Powering the effort is Skyview Networks’ advanced satellite distribution platform which serves 5,700+ radio stations nationwide and LRN’s proprietary terrestrial distribution technology, which will increase the delivery options for local radio owners and operators joining the JackFM network.  The partnership also brings unique integration opportunities to Skyview Networks’ advertisers that are seeking creative campaigns that connect with the loyal audiences tuned into the JackFM format.

“We are proud to offer Sparknet, in partnership with LRN, our full-service solution for syndicating and monetizing its successful and popular JackFM music format.  This partnership brings together the synergies of three compelling audio companies experiencing unprecedented growth,” said Ken Thiele, CEO of Skyview Networks.  “I am impressed with the leadership strategy of LRN and believe in the opportunities we bring to the industry as partners for top content creators like Sparknet.”

Earlier this year, Skyview Networks and LRN entered into a collaborative partnership.  Steve Swick, CEO of LRN, stated, “The combined expertise and services of LRN and Skyview creates the most powerful 24/7 music format syndication solution for radio station owners, personalities and content creators.  JackFM is a proven audience-winner and a perfect addition to LRN’s lineup of quality 24/7 music formats.”

“I had worked for a decade with Garry and the JackFM format and know firsthand the quality of the product and incredible creative energy he and his team dedicate to its production,” noted Pat Crocker, Executive Vice President of LRN.  “We look forward to working with the Sparknet team to increase the already extensive footprint of the JackFM brand across the US.”

With its expanding reach and audience makeup, Skyview Networks will be pivotal in looking to build network audio sales.  “We are thrilled to welcome JackFM—a diverse format that entertains and engages its listeners—to the Skyview Networks partnership portfolio,” said Jeanne-Marie Condo, EVP/GM of Skyview Networks.  “In an ever-evolving audio industry, Skyview is constantly seeking opportunities to create value for our clients and JackFM offers programming solutions that are unmatched in the industry.  We are proud to call them a partner and look forward to building on their success.”

Skyview Networks is based in Scottsdale, Arizona with sales offices located throughout the United States, including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Miami and Atlanta.  It services advertising clients on the network and regional level.

Radio stations that would like more information on the JackFM format may contact LRN’s Pat Crocker at 720-500-3810 and Pat@LocalRadioNetworks.net.

 

About Sparknet

Sparknet Communications is the owner and legal guardian of the iconic JackFM branded radio format.

JackFM is widely recognized for the trademarked “Playing What We Want” music experience delivered in a scripted, character driven format.  The JackFM brand entertains more than 9 million listeners every week in 62 markets throughout the United States.

 

About Local Radio Networks (www.localradionetworks.com)

Local Radio Networks (LRN) produces thirteen 24/7 music formats and is focused on providing local broadcasters with unprecedented localization and content control, national on-air talent, along with award-winning news from ABC News Radio.  LRN offers advanced dual delivery platforms via XDS satellite, from a partnership with Skyview Networks, or LRN’s proprietary Radio Velocity Control (RVC), which integrates seamlessly with most automation systems or can serve as a stand-alone automation option.  Skyview Networks is the exclusive national network ad sales representative for LRN.  Steve Swick is Founder, President, and Chief Executive Officer.  Will Mashione is Co-Founder and Chief Information Officer.  LRN is headquartered in Angola, IN, with offices in Los Angeles, CA, Dallas, TX, and a state-of-the-art Programming and Operations Center in Denver, CO.

 

About Skyview Networks

Skyview Networks is a broadcast technology and national network sales solutions company serving over 5,000 radio stations reaching 113 million listeners weekly.  Skyview Networks provides services to ABC Radio, CBS Audio, professional and collegiate sports organizations and two state news networks.  Founded in 1995, Skyview is based in Scottsdale, Arizona and focuses on providing best-in-class services that include satellite and IP distribution, full network automation, inventory management systems and network audio sales.  For more information, visit skyviewnetworks.com and follow @SkyviewNetworks.

 

 

Media Contacts:

Skyview Networks:                                  Local Radio Networks:                                                                                 

Renee Smith                                                     Renee Cassis

480-503-8702                                                 RC Communications Marketing

renee@skyviewsat.com                                 646-808-6505

cassis2@msn.com

 

Omar Thompson

214-546-4718

omart@1ninemedia.com